The episode, airing at 8 PM on January 16, will delve into the industrial-scale Roman pottery production uncovered during the development of a compensatory wetlands habitat for the Environment Agency, in partnership with the RSPB and Natural England.
In 2024, archaeologists unearthed over 17,000 pottery fragments, two kilns, and the remains of buildings at the site, all linked to the production of Black Burnished ware—a distinctive dark, charcoal-colored pottery widely traded across Roman Britain.
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The site yielded jars, bowls, and dishes, some found nearly intact within the kilns. Interestingly, several pieces are orange instead of black, suggesting firing errors during the chemical reaction needed to create the darker hue.
To better understand how the Romans produced this pottery, Digging for Britain teamed up with experts from Wessex Archaeology and local potter Bill Crumbleholme at the Ancient Technology Centre in Dorset. Guided by Professor Stuart Prior, the team constructed a kiln inspired by those found at the site and attempted to recreate Black Burnished ware-like pottery.
This experimental archaeology sheds light on the skills and processes used by ancient potters, aiming to answer lingering questions about their methods. The results of this endeavor will be unveiled in the episode.
The discoveries at The Moors at Arne provide valuable insights into Roman industrial practices and trade networks. As part of a broader effort to balance environmental conservation and heritage preservation, Kier's work on the project highlights the significance of integrating archaeology into modern development.
